iPhone Saviortag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-13463182014-03-07T17:22:00-08:00iPhone News, Reviews and SatireTypePadThis Lana Del Rey iPhone Case Is Smoking Hottag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341bfa6953ef01a3fccf2a78970b2014-03-07T17:22:00-08:002014-03-07T17:16:16-08:00Realizing that smoking "Lana Del Rey Filter Cigarettes" is the only choice for real men is what makes this kind of fanboy iPhone case so incredibly desirable. The clever warning label "Smoking kills but we were born to die either...Ray Basile

Realizing that smoking "Lana Del Rey Filter Cigarettes" is the only choice for real men is what makes this kind of fanboy iPhone case so incredibly desirable.

The clever warning label "Smoking kills but we were born to die either way" — helps underscore the futility of healthy living according to artist Marvin Fly who designed this useful hunk of modern art.

This slice of iPhone hotness will set you back $35 — although buyers should be aware that involuntary feelings of summertime sadness may occur upon delivery.

Fits iPhone 5S, 5C, 5 and iPhone 4S

Smell The iPhone Bacon With This Scented Alarm Clock Thingytag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341bfa6953ef01a5117f13bf970c2014-03-07T17:02:42-08:002014-03-07T17:02:37-08:00Waking up to the glorious smell of bacon is exactly what Oscar Meyer is after by creating their "Wake Up & Smell The Bacon" iPhone alarm clock app — which uses a special dongle attachment to deliver a "bacon awakening...Ray Basile

Waking up to the glorious smell of bacon is exactly what Oscar Meyer is after by creating their "Wake Up & Smell The Bacon" iPhone alarm clock app — which uses a special dongle attachment to deliver a "bacon awakening beyond your wildest imagination".

While the bacon-infused alarm clock app is free — the scent producing dongle is being pimped as a limited edition item through April 4th. It may be obtained only by a select group of winners.

There's also an elaborate video and website that accompanies this app which plays an inspiring #AwakenToBacon message like;

"Bacon exceeds everything you ever imagined bacon to be. Only bacon exceeds bacon." over the sound of sizzling meat when your alarm goes off. Less than serious baconistas need not apply.

What's Not To Love About The Rukkus Ticket App?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341bfa6953ef01a3fcc9ba71970b2014-03-01T14:35:50-08:002014-03-05T09:54:44-08:00Who wouldn't want an iPhone app that instantly dials up access to the cheapest concert tickets, admission to sporting events and theater productions going on all over their city? That's exactly what the Rukkus app is all about. The impressive...Ray Basile

Who wouldn't want an iPhone app that instantly dials up access to the cheapest concert tickets, admission to sporting events and theater productions going on all over their city?

That's exactly what the Rukkus app is all about. The impressive part is this apps fluid user interface that's extremely easy to tap through — offering the perfect amount of eye candy and listing ticket prices right up front as you scroll.

One of the coolest features offered on the right side tab of each artist slide is the ability to listen to music from bands without exiting the app. In the case of both Cibo Matto and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.— I listened to over 14 songs from each. The same was true of comedian Anjelah Johnson where the app featured audio excerpts from her live show. Brilliant!

So what's not to love about Rukkus? The most important feature that I'm after is finding the cheapest tickets for shows. I noticed the list price for some concerts were not always the best deal after checking prices directly through the concert venue website. While Rukkus posted $106 dollars for two tickets to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. at Neumos in Seattle — the venue sold the same pair of general admission tickets for $30.

"We scour the entire web and pull tickets across thousands of sites and from our own direct channels to make sure you always get the best deals." - Rukkus

So what went wrong? I called the phone number the app lists for their Concierge service and learned that before Rukkus actually charges my credit card they confirm if the actual ticket price is lower than they've listed. I was guaranteed that if I somehow paid too much based on the cheaper venue price listed Rukkus would refund my credit card the difference.

In fact, the customer service rep confirmed that Rukkus stands by their service of offering the lowest ticket prices. The key here for any new user would be establishing trust with Team Rukkus over time. You can even scan your credit card with your phone cam to pay at checkout.

I found Rukkus to be a genuine leap forward with loads of epic potential — the kind of real innovation in an app that could quickly make Ticketmaster seem obsolete partly because this app creates a more immersive connection with artists.

But future updates will need to include venue seating charts in order to compete with the big boys and a chat feature that offers even easier access to their Concierge service would also be a huge plus.

There's no doubt that Rukkus is an attention grabbing free app worthy of a proper test drive for every live music maniac. But don't just take my word for it — download it yourself and give it a go.

Snapchat Plans To Make App More Secure After User Data Leakedtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341bfa6953ef01a3fb8f42ef970b2014-01-02T18:54:17-08:002014-01-02T19:13:19-08:00After several days of awkward silence surrounding data security concerns, social-sharing service Snapchat has responded to allegations of hacking Thursday on the company's blog — promising an update to make its mobile application more secure by allowing users to opt...Ray Basile

After several days of awkward silence surrounding data security concerns, social-sharing service Snapchat has responded to allegations of hacking Thursday on the company's blog — promising an update to make its mobile application more secure by allowing users to opt out of providing phone numbers as a way for others to easily locate user names through the app.

The response entitled "Find Friends Abuse", came after hackers identifying themselves as SnapchatDB leaked some 4.6 million Snapchat usernames and phone numbers online on New Years Eve — a breach made possible by vulnerabilities in the service's security.

“We will be releasing an updated version of the Snapchat application that will allow Snapchatters to opt out of appearing in Find Friends after they have verified their phone number,” the company said in a blog post. “We’re also improving rate limiting and other restrictions to address future attempts to abuse our service.”

The company took aim at the anonymous group of hackers by referring to these self-appointed watchmen as “attackers” in their statement.

“We acknowledged in a blog post last Friday that it was possible for an attacker to use the functionality of Find Friends to upload a large number of random phone numbers and match them with Snapchat usernames. On New Years Eve, an attacker released a database of partially redacted phone numbers and usernames.” the company said.

Snapchat also announced a way for security firms to report any future vulnerability concerns by emailing security@snapchat.com directly so the company can respond more quickly while making it clear in their statement that “no other information, including Snaps, was leaked or accessed.”

“Ensure that your security settings are up to scratch on your social media profiles,” Gibson Security told the AP. “Be careful about what data you give away to sites when you sign up — if you don't think a service requires your phone number, don't give it to them.”

To find out if your username was included in the shared list you can use this website created by developer Robbie Trencheny to confirm if your information has been compromised. The site also offers advice on what to do next if you find your data has been compromised.

'Blue Bricks' Lego Wallpaper for iPhone and iPadtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341bfa6953ef019b040a71e3970d2014-01-01T14:54:00-08:002015-05-06T15:29:26-07:00Last year I featured some cool Lego iPhone wallpapers from visual designer Louie Mantia. His latest release called "Blue Bricks" is one of two fresh Lego images created for iPhone and iPad users. Louie's latest Lego Brick designs include both...Ray Basile

Last year I featured some cool Lego iPhone wallpapers from visual designer Louie Mantia. His latest release called "Blue Bricks" is one of two fresh Lego images created for iPhone and iPad users.

Louie's latest Lego Brick designs include both Blue and Grey Bricks wallpaper easily downloadable for your desktop and formatted for iPhone 5, 5C and iPad. I use the blue one on my lock screen.

Be sure to also check out his Super Mario Bros. wallpapers along with several other Lego Brick colors he's captured. Did I mention that all of these are free?

Apple To Launch iDangle Wearable Technologytag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341bfa6953ef019b040adff7970d2014-01-01T13:53:00-08:002014-01-01T14:57:16-08:00Now that the frenzied Holiday shopping season is finally over Apple is set to reimagine hands-free iPhone viewing with iDangle — the company's great leap forward into functional wearable technology. Move over Google Glass it's dangle time. “This is the...Ray Basile

Now that the frenzied Holiday shopping season is finally over Apple is set to reimagine hands-free iPhone viewing with iDangle — the company's great leap forward into functional wearable technology. Move over Google Glass it's dangle time.

“This is the Apple at its best,” said analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray. “It’s a total surprise — and it should silence the critics who have been questioning Apple’s ability to innovate under Tim Cook.”

With a clever slogan like “Innovation is staring you in the face.” — there's no doubt that Apple plans to disrupt the use of cumbersome bike mounts and obsolete hand holding with something far more exciting.

iDangle will retail for $199 and be available in range of Apple-esque colors — including champagne.

Snapchat Hacked! — 4.6 Million Usernames and Numbers Leaked Onlinetag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341bfa6953ef01a3fb7cf674970b2014-01-01T13:30:00-08:002014-01-02T15:09:01-08:00Snapchap app users are waking up to some sobering news Wednesday that information for some 4.6 million accounts have been leaked online through a website SnapchatDB.info. Hackers identifying themselves as SnapchatDB took responsibility for the posting of the app's user...Ray Basile

Snapchap app users are waking up to some sobering news Wednesday that information for some 4.6 million accounts have been leaked online through a website SnapchatDB.info.

Hackers identifying themselves as SnapchatDB took responsibility for the posting of the app's user data — a breach made possible by flaws in the service's security. The rogue hacker website contains a downloadable database with each user’s censored phone, username and region, blurring the last two digits of the listed phone numbers.

To find out if your username was included in the shared list you can use this website created by developer Robbie Trencheny to confirm if your information has been compromised.

Back on December 27 Snapchat released a statement on the company's blog downplaying the exploit which was brought to their attention by Australia-based Gibson Security — ensuring users that it had implemented some obstacles to make accessing contact numbers "more difficult to do." Snapchat ended the post with "Happy Snapping" — a wish that's not so comforting now on New Years Day.

SnapchatDB hackers shared their motivation for the breach with The Verge, indicating that they gave Snapchat "a specific timeframe in which to fix a security flaw in their product before releasing details to the public" according to the post which confirmed the compromise of user data was not a hoax.

"Our motivation behind the release was to raise the public awareness around the issue, and also put public pressure on Snapchat to get this exploit fixed," SnapchatDB told The Verge. "Security matters as much as user experience does."

For those unaware of the social-sharing Snapchatapp which gained tremendous momentum in 2013 — the app allows users to share "fleeting messages" through photos and short videos that disappear from the screen within 24 hours. Adding phone numbers is optional, aimed at making it easier for others to find you as a Snapchat user.

"We know nothing about SnapchatDB, but it was a matter of time til something like that happened," Gibson Security wrote Wednesday on its Twitter account. "Also the exploit works still with minor fixes."

SnapchatDB told The Verge that "it isn't related to Gibson Security, implying they've only used Gibson's published methods to scrape user data and build a database."

Snapchat has not yet made an official comment on the leak even though hackers have implied they would release the data under "certain circumstances".

"Feel free to contact us to ask for the uncensored database. Under certain circumstances, we may agree to release it." wrote SnapchatDB on their website.

Banned iPhone 5C Promo Videotag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341bfa6953ef019aff6566cf970c2013-09-14T17:53:38-07:002013-09-14T18:08:00-07:00Watching this banned iPhone 5C promo video will help everyone understand exactly why Apple's sorta new colorful handset might become one of their best selling models yet. The unlocked Yellow model sold out in just an hour when online pre-ordering...Ray Basile

Watching this banned iPhone 5C promo video will help everyone understand exactly why Apple's sorta new colorful handset might become one of their best selling models yet.

The unlocked Yellow model sold out in just an hour when online pre-ordering began on September 13th.

"It's simpler, more plasticy — yet it's more colorful and certainly not the same exact phone. We believe the iPhone is an experience — in this case a recurring experience."

New iPhone Colors – Taste The Rainbow!tag:typepad.com,2003:post-667982152013-09-10T10:22:00-07:002013-09-10T16:16:09-07:00At first glance eyeballing the new iPhone 5C in a rainbow of pastel colors offers up an instant jolt of stimulation to the frontal lobe. After closer review — there is very little missing here that hasn't already been included with the launch of iPhone 5.Ray Basile

Apple finally introduced a lower-cost iPhone today alongside the premium iPhone 5S at a press event at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. After years of lag time — the iPhone's shell has made the great leap forward beyond the starkness of basic black and white.

At first glance eyeballing the new iPhone 5C in a rainbow of pastel colors offers up an instant jolt of stimulation to the frontal lobe. After closer review — there is very little missing here that hasn't already been included with the launch of iPhone 5. It's like tech candy for big kids.

Jony Ive, Apple's Senior VP of design called the new lower-cost device a "Significant and meaningful design — beautifully, unapologetically plastic" with multiple parts that have been reduced to a single polycarbonate casing.

In a wildly titillating Apple promo video, Ive describes the design of iPhone 5C as "A solid dense feel that you would not expect from a plastic product."

Apple also introduced a new matte silicone case as an intentional contrast to the glossy, hardcoat finish of the iPhone 5C. The multiple rows of holes on the back of the case allows for a myriad of unique color options with the combination of case and phone for an additional$29. Jackpot!

Expect to pay $99 for the 16GB model and $199 for the 32GB with an A6 chip, 8MP iSight camera, 4-inch Retina display and LTE wireless along with iOS 7 on board. While the faster chip and fingerprint sensor are not present on this model, you'll still find a huge bang for your buck.

I'm certain that iPhone 5C will quickly become one of Apple's best selling handsets to date. With colors available in White, Pink, Yellow, Blue and Green — Mom and Dad better hide this news from the kids.

Pre-orders for the new iPhone 5C begin September 13 for delivery to start arriving on September 20. Apple is touting their 5C as "the most colorful iPhone yet".

Yep! It's about time.

Middle Class Problems — A Hilarious Twitter Feedtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341bfa6953ef019aff4068fe970d2013-09-07T11:30:39-07:002013-09-07T11:58:22-07:00Londoner Benjamin Lee has some real problems with his Twitter feed — and that's the good new. Lee created a fresh social media art form by compiling tweets containing the daily woes of the troubled middle class. On his Twitter...Ray Basile

Londoner Benjamin Lee has some real problems with his Twitter feed — and that's the good new. Lee created a fresh social media art form by compiling tweets containing the daily woes of the troubled middle class.

On his Twitter feed "Middle Class Problems" — Ben re-tweets all sorts of "problems" people whine about in 140 characters or less. Like @jtrulez who complains about one restaurant using "too much orange zest" in his brunch mimosa.

The brilliance here is Ben's treatment of these tweets which he pairs with perfectly melodramatic photos of miserable humans which instantly transforms the tweets into even more absurd works of modern social media art.